…Lauds the Gov. for his spirit of equity, justice and fairness
Special Report: Prince Ejeh Josh
As the clamour for zoning of the governorship seat to Enugu East Senatorial zone in 2023 continues to gain momentum in Enugu State, the people of Nkanu East local government area, a local government many believed to be lingering in marginalization from power distribution and infrastructural development in the state, have passionately appealed to the Governor of the state, His Excellency, Rt. Honourable Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, to consider picking his successor to the Lion Building seat in 2023 general election from the local government.
The request which was made today at a meeting held at the Universal Hotel in Enugu metropolis drew the presence of major stakeholders comprising traditional rulers, elders, religious leaders, political dignitaries, women, and youth organizations from the council.
While speaking at the gathering, the convener of the meeting and former Member, House of Representatives, Hon. Anayo Edeh, stated that the meeting became necessary to save the people of Nkanu East from political extinction caused by decades of marginalisation.
According to him, the people of the council area must speak out and cry to the governor to hear their plights. He further noted that the only thing that could save the people of the area from perpetual marginalisation, and give them a sense of belonging is to compensate them with the top seat in 2023.
While adding his voice to the call for the people of the largest but most underdeveloped local government area in Enugu state to be considered for governor for the sake of equity, justice and fairness, a first class traditional ruler, HRH, Igwe Abel Nwobodo (Ezeudo) of Nara Kingdom has said the council has abundant competent sons and daughters that could take the state to a viable and envious height.
In the same vein, Igwe Agabi Nwatu has also appealed to the people of Enugu state to support Nkanu East by shelving their ambition. He bemoaned the terrible state of the roads in the area, and submitted that it’s only a governor from the area that could ameliorate the development deficit.
In his speech, the coordinator of the Presidents General in Nkanu East local government area, Chief James Nnaji has noted that the governor had reiterated the deplorable state of underdevelopment in the area on different occasions. He expressed optimism that the governor would be compassionate to the area by seceding the ticket to them.
On his part, Engineer Lawrence Ezeh, while appreciating the convener of the meeting, described the Nkanu East zone as urgently in need of intervention from “a rural man who will understand what rural people are going through.”.
Meanwhile, the Nkanu East Chairman, Hon. Uchenna Nwobodo, has paid a glowing tribute to the governor for his development strides in every nook and cranny of state. Represented by his Deputy, Hon. Chief Martin Agbo, the Chairman further added that the governor is known for equity, justice and fairness who has always stood by the people from the zone.
It is, however, not clear those with governorship ambition from the council area as nobody has come out to declare openly despite appeal to them from the stakeholders to start declaring their interests.
Political watchers are, however, tipping some top politicians from the zone as likely to succeed Governor Ugwuanyi in 2023. According to analysts, those to watch out for include billionaire flight magnate, Chief Everest Nnaji (Odengene), whom many believe, possesses the quality to turn things around having performed creditably well in private sector. Chief Odengene, it’s said, is an experienced politician and good manager of the economy who would bring respite for the state. Pastor Sam Iyiogwe, a former local government chairman from the area has also been penciled down as one of those to watch. Mr. Barth Nnaji, a former Minister for Power is also a candidate to watch.
In addition, the present council Chairman, Hon. Uchenna Nwobodo is also said to be qualified for the top job. A former Commissioner of Finance under Senator Chimaroke Nnamani’s administration, Mr. Peter Mbah, has also been tipped. Engr. Lawrence Ezeh, a Prince from Mburumbu kingdom, is said to be competent for the apex job in the state. While the list may not be exhaustive, many believed it’s too early to know all those eyeing the seat as consultations are still ongoing. Whichever way, the Nkanu East people have started drawing sympathy from far and near about their deployable zone and their readiness to go for the job in 2023.
